Alternative Pathways to funding for Pre-Seed Startups

As early startups search for their first outside funding, they often jump to the classic Angel Investment / Venture Capital model. In exchange for investment, you receive equity. This model has many consequences. For some companies it is the perfect choice. For others, it does not work so well.

There are other models of how to structure an investment. BJ Lackland has helped build three leading providers of alternative growth capital for tech companies and in impact investing.

BJ is a leading pioneer in alternative growth capital for tech startups and impact investing. He has been instrumental building three of the leading providers of alternative growth capital for tech companies and in impact investing, and has advised numerous funds, foundations and corporate investors who want to provide alternative capital.

BJ is currently the Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer of IBI Spikes Fund, a Revenue-Based Financing fund providing $500k-$5M+ to tech companies in Israel and the US. He is also Vice Chairman of Founders First Capital Partners, the leading provider of Revenue-Based Financing for diverse founders historically excluded from traditional sources of growth capital.

BJ was CEO of Lighter Capital from 2012-2019, during which time the firm pioneered Revenue-Based Financing, completing over 650 rounds of financing for investments of $50k-$3M+ and being one of the INC 5000 fastest growing companies in the US for 5 years in a row.
BJ has broad experience leading startups, making venture and angel investments, public company financing, and building and leading operating teams.

CEO of a VC-based startup, Lighter Capital
CFO of a public cleantech company, Power Efficiency
VP and Director of a VC fund, Summit Energy Ventures
Raised and invested over $50 million in tech companies